Tracing My History

Join educator and facilitator F. Zeeshan Choudhury in conversation with artist, author and activist Chris North to explore how lived experience and creative storytelling shapes the way we understand individual and collective histories.
 
Chris discovered he was intersex as an adult, a moment that led him to revisit his childhood medical records and question the story that had been written about him by others. His memoir, told through words and illustrations, reflects on identity, secrecy, medicalisation and the process of piecing together a past.
 
In this conversation, Chris will share how this journey shaped his creative practice, including his use of graphic storytelling. Together, we’ll consider how personal narratives can challenge medicalised frameworks, and why this matters in research.
After the conversation, we’ll explore creative approaches to autobiographical storytelling, including drawing, storyboarding and collage.
There will be an opportunity for audience participation. You can listen, ask questions or share your thoughts – whatever feels right for you.
If you want a break from the activities, you can head to our Chill-Out Room to lie down or relax. There will be low lighting, comfortable seating, cushions, mats, ear defenders, earplugs and sensory toys.
Content note: This event includes references to traumatic childhood medical experiences and historical medical language.